More than 20,000 file for protective orders in Louisiana every year

More than 20,000 file for protective orders in Louisiana every year

10:57 AM,
May 13, 2013

Written by

Adam Duvernay
The Times

SHREVEPORT, La. -- It's been four months since a Caddo judge ended contact between Joanne and her husband.

Three years of verbal and physical abuse culminated with a gun in her face and ended with an order from the court, she said.

"That was it. There was no more trying to maintain a marriage. I had to seek a safe place and legal action so I could have my life back again," Joanne said. The Times has withheld Joanne's last name to protect her identity because she is a victim of domestic violence. "The protective order made a world of difference in my life. He stays away from me." ...